Robotic Surgery: Frequently Asked Questions

Robotic Surgery: Frequently Asked Questions

Robotic Surgery is a form of minimally invasive surgery that is performed via very small surgical tools attached to a robotic arm. The surgeon controls the robotic arm with a computer and directs its movements from the console. The small, precise movements that are possible with this type of surgery give it a huge advantage over standard surgical techniques. It also allows the surgeon to perform the procedure through a much smaller incision, as compared to an open surgery.

While robotic surgery has multiple advantages over traditional surgeries, including smaller incisions, less pain, less blood loss, faster recovery and subsequently, a shorter hospital stay; there are some of the same risks associated with it as with traditional or laparoscopic surgeries:

•             Risk of infection

•             Cardiopulmonary risks from anaesthesia

•             Risk of injury

•             Bleeding or the need of transfusion

It is important to note that all of the mentioned risks are applicable to all surgeries. The only risk specific to robotic surgeries is system failure that happens in less than 1% of the cases.

Conclusively, robotic surgery is the safest option compared to traditional surgeries and has more benefits than risks. That said, robotic surgeries can only be performed in selected cases. Discuss your options with a surgeon to figure out if it is ideal for you.

What are the types of robotic surgery?

The four-armed surgical robotic system is a breakthrough in surgical technology and is used in the specialties like Urology, Gynaecology, Cardiac, Gastrointestinal surgery, Bariatrics and Paediatrics. Robotic surgery for treatment of prostate, kidney and urinary bladder cancer has proved to be highly beneficial to patients. Doctors may advise patients to opt for Robotic Surgery for the following conditions:

Urology

•             Prostate, Bladder & Kidney Cancer

•             Uretero-pelvic Junction Obstruction

•             Congenital Defects

•             Vesico-Ureteric Reflux Disease

Gynaecology

•             Multiple Fibroids

•             Uterine and Cervical Cancer

•             Uterine and Vaginal Prolapse

•             Endometriosis

•             Vesico-Vaginal

•             Fistula Ovarian Cyst

Cardiology

•             Atrial Septal Defects

•             Mitral and Aortic Valve Disease

•             Coronary Artery Disease

Gastroenterology and Hepatology

•             Liver Disease

•             Colon and Rectal Cancer

•             Obesity & Metabolic Disorders

•             Gastric Cancer

•             Esophageal disorders

It is important to understand that Robot-assisted surgery is not indicated in all cases. Always ask your doctor about all treatment options, as well as their risks and benefits.

Is Robotic surgery painful?

Robotic Surgery is a form of Minimally invasive surgery that is performed via very small surgical tools attached to a robotic arm. It also allows the surgeon to perform the procedure through a much smaller incision, as compared to an open surgery. This means lesser pain compared to traditional surgeries.

As for the procedure, it is, like all surgeries, performed while the patient is under anaesthesia. So upon waking up, patients can expect less pain and faster recovery.

What are the benefits of robotic surgery?

Robotic surgeries involve the use of machines that have tiny cameras and very small instruments attached to them. A surgeon, working on the console, places himself/herself close to the patient and makes precise movements from inside the console, mimicked by the robotic equipment. This results in a better surgical performance, especially in complex cases.

Robotic surgeries are highly advanced and have numerous benefits over traditional open surgeries. For a patient it means:

Robotic surgeries are highly advanced and have numerous benefits over traditional open surgeries. For a patient it means:

•             Smaller incisions, smaller scars

•             Substantially less blood loss

•             Shorter hospital stay; faster recovery

•             Less pain

•             Low risk procedures

•             Fewer Complications

Urology

• Prostate, Bladder & Kidney Cancer

• Ureteropelvic Junction Obstruction

• Congenital Defects

• Vesico-Ureteric Reflux Disease

Gynaecology

• Multiple Fibroids
• Uterine and Cervical Cancer
• Uterine and Vaginal Prolapse
• Endometriosis
• Vesico-Vaginal Fistula
• Ovarian Cyst

Cardiology

• Atrial Septal Defects
• Mitral and Aortic Valve Disease
• Coronary Artery Disease

Gastroenterology and Hepatology

• Liver Disease
• Colon and Rectal Cancer
• Obesity & Metabolic Disorders
• Gastric Cancer
• Esophageal disorders

What surgeries does the Da Vinci robot do?

The daVinci Surgical System enables surgeons to operate with just a few small incisions. The System features a magnified 3D high-definition vision system and tiny wristed instruments that bend and rotate far greater than the human hand. As a result, daVinci enables your surgeon to operate with enhanced vision, precision and 100% control over the System at all times .

daVinci technology translates your surgeon’s hand movements into smaller, precise movements of tiny instruments inside your body, through the use of which surgeons can offer a minimally invasive option for complex surgical procedures.

Imagine a major surgery performed through the smallest of incisions and encompassing the benefits of a definitive treatment with radically less pain, a shorter hospital stay, faster recovery and earlier return to normal activities – that is the daVinci System experience.

Is Robotic surgery better than traditional surgery?

Robotic surgeries involve the use of machines that have tiny cameras and very small instruments attached to them. A surgeon, working on the console, places himself/herself close to the patient and makes precise movements from inside the console, mimicked by the robotic equipment. These are also programmed with protectors that prevent any sudden movements. This results in a better surgical performance, especially in complex cases.

Robotic surgeries are highly advanced and have numerous benefits over traditional open surgeries. For a patient it means:

• Smaller incisions, smaller scars
• Substantially less blood loss
• Shorter hospital stays; faster recovery
• Less pain
• Low risk procedures
• Fewer Complications

In terms of the procedure, it gives the surgeon enhanced visuals of the body and the organs, better control, provides him or her with robotic arms that can bend and rotate at complicated angles and make precise movements. This is especially considered a boon for cancer patients requiring complex surgical procedures. It also enables surgeons to perform nerve sparing prostatectomy, maintaining sexual function in the patients with prostate-related ailments.

However, these advantages do come with a caveat. Only selected professionals in India are trained to perform robotic surgeries. Moreover, it is always advisable to get these procedures at high-end tertiary facilities that are more likely to have experienced personnel and state-of-the-art equipment to provide you the best care.

Other disadvantages are that not every patient is eligible for these procedures and the prices for them are marginally higher.